Introduction
Knowing where to start might be challenging when looking for a new school environment for your child. In addition to public schools, there are charter schools that provide students with the same quality of tuition-free education.
The first step in finding a good charter school is researching what type of program or programs the school offers. Charter Schools come in all shapes and sizes, and there are many options in Ventura County. You should ensure that the curriculum and coursework support your child’s needs and interests. Also, consider how many hours per day and days per year the school operates and whether any extracurricular activities might appeal to your child’s interests (e.g., music, sports). Our classroom based school operates 176 school days, August through June, whereas our hybrid homeschool provides a more individualized schedule for learning. Finally, make sure to connect with the parents and teachers to answer any questions that would help you decide whether our school would work well for your family.
Before making a decision, it is critical to consider the following criteria:
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a public school run as a non-profit organization instead of by the local district. Because of this, Charter schools offer greater flexibility than traditional schools.
There are some key differences between Charter schools and traditional public schools:
Charter schools are an excellent choice for parents who want their kids to have a great education but don’t want to send them to a traditional public school. They are also perfect for parents who want to give their children the best education possible in an environment that is more relaxed and community based.
Benefits of Charter Schools
If you’re considering a charter school, choosing one has many benefits. Here are just a few:
The Challenges of a Charter School
Charter schools are often considered the best option for parents who want their children to receive a better education than what they would get at a traditional school. While it’s true that charter schools are an excellent way for students to learn and grow, it’s essential to consider the challenges that come along with this type of education.
The main challenges someone might have when considering a charter school program are:
How Can Teachers, Parents, and Students Overcome These Challenges?
First, realize that charter schools often have a wide network of support, and it is often easier to have your questions answered by parents, teachers, or administrators than at traditional schools.
Second, recognize that every charter school has its’ own systems of support and expectations for students, teachers, and families which may look different than traditional public schools.
Third, parents should be aware that their children are not attending school in a traditional setting. They should know that autonomy and freedom their children may have in charter schools is created by design.
Because of this flexibility and the variety of programs offered in charter schools, a successful charter school program needs more than just great teachers and administrators. It also requires parents who are committed to helping their children learn what they need to know to succeed when they leave their classrooms daily.
Conclusion
Charter schools are a great way to give parents more control over their children’s education. Whether you’re looking for a school that caters specifically to your child’s needs or offers an environment of learning with open-ended opportunities, there is something out there for everyone.
At Bridges Charter School, education is a shared endeavor. The philosophy that guides our educators is that they are all teachers and learners in the educational community. They think of the classroom as a rich, always-changing place that considers the different ways students learn while creating a meaningful curriculum. Students’ interests and passions are their primary motivators. They can, however, remember to be motivated by opportunities to try new things and get better in areas they think are ready for growth. The best place for a child to learn is in a loving, safe, and supportive environment that also values the child’s uniqueness, interests, and skills. Thus, the impact of positive interpersonal relationships between classroom and community members cannot be understated. It is through these positive, collaborative interactions that learning will best occur.
The mission of Bridges Charter School is to give every student an amazing educational experience while building a community of students nourished with curiosity, compassion, independence, resourcefulness, and respect for diversity.
